Additional November Book Suggestions - Grades K-3
For additional books on Gratitude and Thanksgiving see our Holiday/Thanksgiving page.
Stewardship
Cherry, Lynne. The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest.
Harcourt Brace, 1990. (K-2)
In Brazilian rainforest, a woodsman comes to understand the number of creatures who depend on the kapok tree for their homes. Themes of respect for nature and true stewardship of the earth.
Gilliland, Judith. River.
Illustrated by Joyce Powzyk. Clarion, 1993. (2-3)
Poetic overview of the Amazon river, its wildlife and flora. Inspires awe.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “Seven Good Years,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999.
Julio and Mina, two Argentine Jews, are visited by the prophet Elijah and offered “seven good years,” seven years of fortune and comfort—when they choose. They choose, “right away, please!” and turn out to be very good stewards of their gifts. They care for the sick, bake more for the hungry, visit the elderly. Elijah comes at the end of the seven years to ask for the gifts to be returned, but Mina asks him if they had not used their gifts well. Elijah agrees that “you have used God’s gift with care. You may keep your good fortune.” This classic tale teaches the lesson that “To whom much has been given, much will be expected.”
Hines, Gary. A Christmas Tree in the White House.
Illustrated by Alexandra Wallner. Henry Holt, 1998.(K-2)
The theme of respect for our environment and stewardship of the world’s resources emerges in this charming story, based on fact. As President, Teddy Roosevelt established some of the nation’s first national parks and pursued a policy of conservation. At Christmas time he tells his children there will be no live Christmas tree in the White House because it would set a bad example to “cut down trees for mere decoration.” His disgruntled sons, Quentin and Archie, take matters into their own hands and sneak a tree into their room. Their father discovers it and trots them off to a forester, who shows the family how some thinning of trees is healthy in order to allow others to grow. Particularly good for use with 2nd grade unit in September on respect for the environment.
Joyce, William. Bently and Egg.
Harper Collins, 1992. (2-6)
Devoted and artistic frog cares for the egg of a wayward duck and reaps hatchling reward.
Melmed, Laura Krauss. Rainbabies.
Illustrated by Jim LaMarche. Harper Collins, 2004. (4-6)
A childless couple takes in and cares for a dozen “rainbabies,” tiny babies found in the grass after a “moonshower.” They shepherd their very little ones through storm at sea, thunderstorm, and other dangers. Their compassion and faithfulness for the young strangers is eventually rewarded with a daughter of their own. Beautifully written. Stunningly illustrated.
Polacco, Patricia. Rechenka’s Eggs.
Putnam, 1988. (2-4)
Poor Russian peasant woman aids and cares for a wounded goose, undergoes trials as result, but is richly rewarded in the end. A tale of hope, rebirth, and miracles as well as compassion.
Rand, Gloria. Prince William.
Illustrated by Ted Rand. Henry Holt, 1994. (1-3)
Picture book tale of an oil-soaked baby seal that washes up on a beach in Prince William Sound after the Valdez oil spill. A young girl cares for “Prince William” and nurses him back to health. Reminder of the fragility and vulnerability of our world.
Rucki, Ani. Turkey’s Gift to the People. Northland, AZ, 1992. (K-4)
Navajo tale of cooperation at a time when Animal People ruled the earth and were threatened by a great flood. Each animal contributes his/her talents to save the group, but only Turkey remem- bers to bring the seeds they will need to begin again after the flood.
Siebert, Diane. Heartland. Illustrated by Wendell C. Minor. David Godine, 2015. (K-2)
Siebert, Diane. Mojave. Illustrated by Wendell C. Minor. Harper Collins, 1992. (K-2)
Siebert, Diane. Sierra. Illustrated by Wendell C. Minor. Harper Collins, 1996. (K-2)
These three stunning picture books recreate the American landscape with poetic and narrative beauty. These descriptions of key areas in the United States inspire wonder and love.
Wonder
Cooney, Barbara. Miss Rumphius. Puffin, 1985. (K-3)
Residing on a seaside cliff, elderly Miss Rumphius is something of a enigma to neighborhood children. When they visit, they hear her story of a life well lived, and of a woman intent on giving something back to the world. The mystery and beauty of life are joined with determination to do one’s part. Miss Rumphius’ lupines are living proof of her love.
Desaix, Frank. Hilary and the Lions.
Illustrated by Debbi Durland Desaix. Harper Collins, 1990. (K-3)
Nine-year-old Hilary gets lost in Manhattan and decides to spend the night nestled against the stone lions that guard the New York Public Library. The stone guardians come to life at night and take her on a tour of Manhattan she won’t soon forget—lazing in Central Park by moonlight, taking a lion ride through Greenwich and Soho, and marveling at twinkling lights on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Dunphy, Madeleine. Here is the African Savanna.
Illustrated by Tom Leonard. Web of Life, 2006. (K-1)
This is a charming, lyrical portrayal of the wildlife and landscape that make up the East African savanna. With its colorful and tenderly drawn giraffes, impalas, baboons, and hippos, it can do nothing but instill wonder. Could be used with either the K or 1st grade Continents overview.
Esterl, Arnica. Okino and the Whales.
Illustrated by Marek Zawadzki. Harcourt Brace, 1995. (K-3)
Esterl weaves a fanciful tale of a child taken underneath the sea, a whale mother which protects her, and the whale’s request of the girl’s mother in order to release the child. The story and breathtaking illustrations leave the young readers awestruck.
Gollub, Matthew. Cool Melons—Turn to Frogs! The Life and Poems of Issa.
Illustrated by Kazuko G. Stone. Lee and Low Books, 2004. (2-5)
Brother Issa, the renowned Japanese master of Haiku (1763-1827), delighted from an early age in the cries of insects and the songs of farmers as they worked. In this beautifully illustrated volume the poet comes to life through his haiku and his wide-open wonder at the world around him. Particularly good for use with Japan unit in 2nd grade or Feudal Japan in 5th grade.
Guthrie, Woody. This Land is Your Land.
Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen. Little Brown, 2008. (K-3)
Vibrant and intricate folk art brings to life the lyrics of Woody Guthrie’s classic tribute to America. This glorious picture book will inspire in younger children a love of and appreciation for the magnificent sweep of their country—from grassy prairie to stark desert to cities teeming with life and energy. Written during the Depression to remind Americans of their country’s natural treasures, this song with its new illustrations will do the same in the new millennium.
Hong, Lily Toy. The Empress and the Silk Worm.
Albert Whitman and Co., 1995. (K-3)
Fictionalized account of the Chinese empress who was ingenious and curious enough to discover the secret of silk worms (2700 BC). Use with 2nd grade unit on Ancient China.
Johnson, Jane. My Dear Noel: The Story of a Letter from Beatrix Potter.
Dial Books, 1999. (K-2)Beatrix Potter always knew how to delight children and make the world seem a marvelous place. But she did not begin to write her Peter Rabbit tales until a friend, a six-year-old boy, became ill and had to be in bed all summer. In this true story, Noel Moore receives a great gift from a good friend: the first story of Peter Rabbit. Her story renews his spirits and delights us with a world of naughty rabbits that drink camomile tea.
LeTord, Bijou. A Blue Butterfly: A Story about Claude Monet.
Doubleday, 1995. (K-2)
Celebrating the wonder and beauty of life with his art, Monet painted “with rich colors of vermilion, emerald, apricot and violet . . . painted flowers like tiny jewels or little stars leaping from the sky.” This is a lovely presentation of Claude Monet for the very young. Strangely, there is not a single painting of Monet’s in the book (make sure to have one on hand), but the paintings are created with his pallet of eight clear colors.
Lester, Julius. Sam and the Tigers.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books, 1996. (K-4)
Julius Lester, the great African-American writer, triumphs in this totally delightful recasting of Little Black Sambo. This version is told in the voice of southern black storytelling. Sam, with his shirt “yellow as tomorrow,” coat “red as a happy heart,” and pants “purple as a love that would last forever” heads off for his first day of school. He is accosted by tigers that keep threatening to eat him up, but each time he exchanges his clothing for his life. Sam’s cleverness and the tiger’s pride (trying to decide which looks the finest in the new duds) make for the wonderful ending. The tigers grab each other’s tails and chase after each other so fast they melt into orange and black striped butter—perfect for putting on pancakes!
Lewis, Richard. In the Space of the Sky.
Illustrated by Debra Frasier. Harcourt, 2002. (K-2)
This lovely picture book is a meditation on the wonder of the universe. Evocative poetry celebrates the beauty of nature: “There in the space of the sky are paths of birds, rivers of air, gardens of light growing into day, growing into night.” The bold, geometric collage illustrations, suffused with flowers, likewise lift the heart and spirit.
MacLachlan, Patricia. All the Places to Love.
Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. Harper Collins, 1994. (K-3)
On the day he was born, grandma held Eli up to the window “so that what I heard first was the wind. What I saw first were all the places to love: the valley, the river falling down over rocks, the hilltop where the blueberries grew.” In this beautiful tale, we follow Eli and his family through meadows, hayfields, rocks and rivers, as he learns about all the places to love and imagines sharing them with his newborn sister.
Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Snowflake Bentley.
Illustrated by Mary Azarian. Houghton Mifflin, 1998. (K-5)
Wilson Bentley (1865-1931), the son of a Vermont farmer, has fallen in love with snow. He is caught up in the beauty of each flake and his passion is to reproduce the intricacy and variety of snow crystals. Bentley’s parents save for years and buy him a special camera to photograph each flake. Throughout his adult life, Bentley sketches, photographs, and shares the glory of nature. (His book, Snow Crystals, is still a classic.) This inspiring and deceptively simple biography can be used in all grades K-5. Read it with its simplest text at K-2; at 3-5 add the sidebar commentary.
Mitchell, Rhonda. The Talking Cloth.
Orchard Books, 1997. (K-2)
Amber loves her Aunt Phoebe, who collects strange and wonderful things. In this tale Aunt Phoebe stretches before her niece a long, silky “adinkra” cloth that she bought in Africa. Made by the Ashanti people of Ghana, each symbol and color has a special meaning. Amber imagines herself as an Ashanti princess. Guaranteed to inspire wonder and delight. Could be used with either the K or 1st grade Continents overview for Africa.
Redfield, James and Dee Lillegard. The Song of Celestine.
Illustrated by Dean Morrisey. Little, Brown, and Co., 1998. (K-2)
The grace, beauty, and depth of this enchanting book will appeal to all ages, but the sparse text and apparent simplicity make it especially appealing to younger children. Celestine is a young boy who “while wandering in the woods one day . . . found a path but lost his way.” His wanderings are a pilgrimage of sorts and in them he is introduced to the beauty and importance of flowers, faces, love, dreams, sharing, rejoicing, and the past. This book is simple on the surface and inspired in its depth. A mini-Dante, little Celestine, leads us back to the things that matter and the divine wonder of the human experience.
Rumford, James. Seeker of Knowledge. The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphics(Houghton Mifflin, 2003). (1-4)
In this fascinating volume Rumford describes the untiring efforts of nineteenth century Frenchman, Jean-Francois Champollion to decode Egyptian hieroglyphics or picture writing. The scholar’s interest in Egypt was awakened as a boy when Napoleon marched into Egypt. The childhood fascination grew to an adult passion, as Champollion learned of the discovery of the Rosetta stone, and eventually cracked the code. Rumford’s illustrations and story are a complete delight. The book can be used with CK First Grade unit on Ancient Egypt.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride.
Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 1999. (1-4)
In this gorgeous picture book two accomplished and high-spirited women, Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, excuse themselves from a White House dinner to enjoy an evening plane ride! Amelia Earhart, friend of Eleanor’s, pilots the craft and shows the first lady the beauty of a nocturnal ride in the stars. They return to the White House in time for Eleanor to give Amelia a ride in her new car and for both to have dessert! The breathtaking illustrations (in mauve and charcoal gray) bring to life the wonder, dreams, and passion of these two women for life in all its fullness.
Sabuda, Robert. The Blizzard’s Robe.
Simon and Schuster, 1999. (K-3)
Sabuda’s stunning artwork and deft prose bring to life this Arctic legend of the origin of the northern lights. In the midst of a storm, Teune, a young robemaker, saves her Arctic tribe by building a great fire. In the process she angers the god Blizzard whose robe she burns. He cries out to her at night, pleads for a replacement, and promises a rich reward for a new robe. Risking the anger of her people, Teune makes him a fine robe, and he in turn provides the gift of the Aurora Borealis for this “People Who Fear the Winter Night.” Using a deep, vibrant palette and batik technique, Sabuda tells the story of compassion, generosity, and wonder.
Sanders, Scott Russell. The Floating House.
Illustrated by Helen Cogancherry. Wooster Book Co. 2011. (2-4)
Set in 1815, the McClure family floats down the Ohio River in a flatboat to find a new home further west in Jeffersonville, Indiana. This is a rich picture book and fine piece of fiction depicting the excitement and wonder of a young family exploring an uncharted wilderness. The McClures “were eager to reach the wild country downstream, where you could buy farms for a dollar an acre and the dirt was so rich people said you could plant a stick and it would break out in leaves.” The family finds its home, but the children still dream of “riding the river once more, heading downstream to unknown places.”
Sayre, April Pulley. If You Should Hear a Honey Guide.
Illustrated by S.D. Schindler. Houghton Mifflin, 1995. (K-1)
Set in Kenya, this story does much more than celebrate the beauty and instinct of the African Honey Guide — it rejoices in the ways of nature and leads the young child on a tour of the marvels that await the open eye and ear.
Sheldon, Dyan. The Whale’s Song.
Illustrated by Gary Blythe. Random House, 1993. (1-3)
A little girl listens to her grandmother’s stories of whale songs. Respect and devotion to one of the world’s largest and most mysterious creatures.
Slepian, Jan. Lost Moose. Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Philomel Books, 1995. (K-3)
A moose and her calf are parted in a dangerous swim from their home island. When the young moose wanders onto a new island, inhabited by campers, young James is convinced he has found one of Santa’s reindeer. The two “youngsters” experience the joy of their surroundings together, only to be reunited with both of their worried mothers. Shimmering watercolors bring this delightful story to life.
Spivak, Dawnine. Grass Sandals: The Travels of Basho.
Illustrated by Demi. Atheneum Books, 2009. (2-5)
Basho, a Japanese poet renown for haiku, “would sit in the doorway of his small house, sit with his breakfast bowl, look out at the river and mountains, and pour his tea in the company of morning glories.” One day Basho closes up his small home and begins his walk across Japan in his grass sandals and black robe. With simple, elegant illustrations and quiet, playful text, Grass Sandals invites elementary school children to experience the gentle beauty of nature, Japan, and the simplicity of haiku. The author’s daughter complained: “Mom, nothing happens in this book.” Your children may also complain, but more likely they’ll be caught up in the wonder and serenity of Demi’s charmingly restrained Buddhist world. Use with Japan unit in 2nd grade. Excellent tie-in with 5th grade unit on Buddhism.
Van Leeuwen, Jean. The Amazing Air Balloon.
Illustrated by Marco Ventura. Phyllis Fogelman Books, 2003. (K-3)
This is another winner from Van Leeuwen as she tells the inspiring story of Edward Warren, the thirteen year old who became the first American to ascend in a hot air balloon. Set in colonial times, the story reinforces the themes of wonder and passionate pursuit of one’s dreams. The wiry teenager is able to take this flight because the balloon’s creator, Peter Carnes, is too heavy to take it up! Evocative oil paintings bring the period to life.
Wells, Rosemary. Forest of Dreams.
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers. Dial, 1988. (K-1)
The wonder of nature and the handiwork of God are themes as a young child explores the beauty
of the seasons. Stunning paintings.
Willard, Nancy. A Starlit Somersault Downhill.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Little Brown, 1993. (K-1)
A sprightly rabbit agrees to settle down for a long winter’s nap with a snoozing bear, but instead,
sets off to discover the beautiful world around him.
Winter, Jeanette. My Name is Georgia: A Portrait.
HMH Books, 2003. (K-1)
This is a simple and wondrous portrait of artist Georgia O’Keefe as she explores sky, mountains, desert, red hills, magnolias, bones, and dreams in the distance. It is about hearing the call within and following one’s dream. Can also be used with Lives to Learn From.
Yolen, Jane. Harvest Home.
Illustrated by Greg Shed. Harcourt, 2002. (K-2)
Written in verse with the rhythmic repetition of “bringing the harvest home,” this is simple and lyrical celebration of a bountiful fall harvest. The poetry recounts the work it took to make it happen, as well as the joys of reaping its rewards. Our guide is a young girl with honey colored hair and a yellow straw hat, who leads children through the work and joy of gathering in the harvest on a fall afternoon. Greg Shed works visual wonders with golden hues of wheat and sun-baked afternoons suffusing its pages.
Young, Ed. What About Me?
Putnam, Philomel, 2002. (1-3)
Young’s visually arresting artwork carries this Middle Eastern folk tale of an earnest child who seeks knowledge from a Sufi master. Before imparting his wisdom, the master sends the child out into the world to procure for him a carpet. Going first to the carpetmaker, the child is confronted by the carpetmaker’s question: “What about me?” The weaver needs thread to weave the carpet. The child heads off to a spinner for thread, who asks “What about me?” She needs goat hair to spin the thread. And the chain of people with needs goes on! The child tries to meet the needs of all, and eventually succeeds. He returns to the master with the carpet and learns: “Some of the most precious gifts that we receive are those we receive when we are giving.”
Cherry, Lynne. The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest.
Harcourt Brace, 1990. (K-2)
In Brazilian rainforest, a woodsman comes to understand the number of creatures who depend on the kapok tree for their homes. Themes of respect for nature and true stewardship of the earth.
Gilliland, Judith. River.
Illustrated by Joyce Powzyk. Clarion, 1993. (2-3)
Poetic overview of the Amazon river, its wildlife and flora. Inspires awe.
Goldin, Barbara Diamond. “Seven Good Years,” in Journeys with Elijah: Eight Tales of the Prophet. Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Harcourt Brace, 1999.
Julio and Mina, two Argentine Jews, are visited by the prophet Elijah and offered “seven good years,” seven years of fortune and comfort—when they choose. They choose, “right away, please!” and turn out to be very good stewards of their gifts. They care for the sick, bake more for the hungry, visit the elderly. Elijah comes at the end of the seven years to ask for the gifts to be returned, but Mina asks him if they had not used their gifts well. Elijah agrees that “you have used God’s gift with care. You may keep your good fortune.” This classic tale teaches the lesson that “To whom much has been given, much will be expected.”
Hines, Gary. A Christmas Tree in the White House.
Illustrated by Alexandra Wallner. Henry Holt, 1998.(K-2)
The theme of respect for our environment and stewardship of the world’s resources emerges in this charming story, based on fact. As President, Teddy Roosevelt established some of the nation’s first national parks and pursued a policy of conservation. At Christmas time he tells his children there will be no live Christmas tree in the White House because it would set a bad example to “cut down trees for mere decoration.” His disgruntled sons, Quentin and Archie, take matters into their own hands and sneak a tree into their room. Their father discovers it and trots them off to a forester, who shows the family how some thinning of trees is healthy in order to allow others to grow. Particularly good for use with 2nd grade unit in September on respect for the environment.
Joyce, William. Bently and Egg.
Harper Collins, 1992. (2-6)
Devoted and artistic frog cares for the egg of a wayward duck and reaps hatchling reward.
Melmed, Laura Krauss. Rainbabies.
Illustrated by Jim LaMarche. Harper Collins, 2004. (4-6)
A childless couple takes in and cares for a dozen “rainbabies,” tiny babies found in the grass after a “moonshower.” They shepherd their very little ones through storm at sea, thunderstorm, and other dangers. Their compassion and faithfulness for the young strangers is eventually rewarded with a daughter of their own. Beautifully written. Stunningly illustrated.
Polacco, Patricia. Rechenka’s Eggs.
Putnam, 1988. (2-4)
Poor Russian peasant woman aids and cares for a wounded goose, undergoes trials as result, but is richly rewarded in the end. A tale of hope, rebirth, and miracles as well as compassion.
Rand, Gloria. Prince William.
Illustrated by Ted Rand. Henry Holt, 1994. (1-3)
Picture book tale of an oil-soaked baby seal that washes up on a beach in Prince William Sound after the Valdez oil spill. A young girl cares for “Prince William” and nurses him back to health. Reminder of the fragility and vulnerability of our world.
Rucki, Ani. Turkey’s Gift to the People. Northland, AZ, 1992. (K-4)
Navajo tale of cooperation at a time when Animal People ruled the earth and were threatened by a great flood. Each animal contributes his/her talents to save the group, but only Turkey remem- bers to bring the seeds they will need to begin again after the flood.
Siebert, Diane. Heartland. Illustrated by Wendell C. Minor. David Godine, 2015. (K-2)
Siebert, Diane. Mojave. Illustrated by Wendell C. Minor. Harper Collins, 1992. (K-2)
Siebert, Diane. Sierra. Illustrated by Wendell C. Minor. Harper Collins, 1996. (K-2)
These three stunning picture books recreate the American landscape with poetic and narrative beauty. These descriptions of key areas in the United States inspire wonder and love.
Wonder
Cooney, Barbara. Miss Rumphius. Puffin, 1985. (K-3)
Residing on a seaside cliff, elderly Miss Rumphius is something of a enigma to neighborhood children. When they visit, they hear her story of a life well lived, and of a woman intent on giving something back to the world. The mystery and beauty of life are joined with determination to do one’s part. Miss Rumphius’ lupines are living proof of her love.
Desaix, Frank. Hilary and the Lions.
Illustrated by Debbi Durland Desaix. Harper Collins, 1990. (K-3)
Nine-year-old Hilary gets lost in Manhattan and decides to spend the night nestled against the stone lions that guard the New York Public Library. The stone guardians come to life at night and take her on a tour of Manhattan she won’t soon forget—lazing in Central Park by moonlight, taking a lion ride through Greenwich and Soho, and marveling at twinkling lights on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Dunphy, Madeleine. Here is the African Savanna.
Illustrated by Tom Leonard. Web of Life, 2006. (K-1)
This is a charming, lyrical portrayal of the wildlife and landscape that make up the East African savanna. With its colorful and tenderly drawn giraffes, impalas, baboons, and hippos, it can do nothing but instill wonder. Could be used with either the K or 1st grade Continents overview.
Esterl, Arnica. Okino and the Whales.
Illustrated by Marek Zawadzki. Harcourt Brace, 1995. (K-3)
Esterl weaves a fanciful tale of a child taken underneath the sea, a whale mother which protects her, and the whale’s request of the girl’s mother in order to release the child. The story and breathtaking illustrations leave the young readers awestruck.
Gollub, Matthew. Cool Melons—Turn to Frogs! The Life and Poems of Issa.
Illustrated by Kazuko G. Stone. Lee and Low Books, 2004. (2-5)
Brother Issa, the renowned Japanese master of Haiku (1763-1827), delighted from an early age in the cries of insects and the songs of farmers as they worked. In this beautifully illustrated volume the poet comes to life through his haiku and his wide-open wonder at the world around him. Particularly good for use with Japan unit in 2nd grade or Feudal Japan in 5th grade.
Guthrie, Woody. This Land is Your Land.
Illustrated by Kathy Jakobsen. Little Brown, 2008. (K-3)
Vibrant and intricate folk art brings to life the lyrics of Woody Guthrie’s classic tribute to America. This glorious picture book will inspire in younger children a love of and appreciation for the magnificent sweep of their country—from grassy prairie to stark desert to cities teeming with life and energy. Written during the Depression to remind Americans of their country’s natural treasures, this song with its new illustrations will do the same in the new millennium.
Hong, Lily Toy. The Empress and the Silk Worm.
Albert Whitman and Co., 1995. (K-3)
Fictionalized account of the Chinese empress who was ingenious and curious enough to discover the secret of silk worms (2700 BC). Use with 2nd grade unit on Ancient China.
Johnson, Jane. My Dear Noel: The Story of a Letter from Beatrix Potter.
Dial Books, 1999. (K-2)Beatrix Potter always knew how to delight children and make the world seem a marvelous place. But she did not begin to write her Peter Rabbit tales until a friend, a six-year-old boy, became ill and had to be in bed all summer. In this true story, Noel Moore receives a great gift from a good friend: the first story of Peter Rabbit. Her story renews his spirits and delights us with a world of naughty rabbits that drink camomile tea.
LeTord, Bijou. A Blue Butterfly: A Story about Claude Monet.
Doubleday, 1995. (K-2)
Celebrating the wonder and beauty of life with his art, Monet painted “with rich colors of vermilion, emerald, apricot and violet . . . painted flowers like tiny jewels or little stars leaping from the sky.” This is a lovely presentation of Claude Monet for the very young. Strangely, there is not a single painting of Monet’s in the book (make sure to have one on hand), but the paintings are created with his pallet of eight clear colors.
Lester, Julius. Sam and the Tigers.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Dial Books, 1996. (K-4)
Julius Lester, the great African-American writer, triumphs in this totally delightful recasting of Little Black Sambo. This version is told in the voice of southern black storytelling. Sam, with his shirt “yellow as tomorrow,” coat “red as a happy heart,” and pants “purple as a love that would last forever” heads off for his first day of school. He is accosted by tigers that keep threatening to eat him up, but each time he exchanges his clothing for his life. Sam’s cleverness and the tiger’s pride (trying to decide which looks the finest in the new duds) make for the wonderful ending. The tigers grab each other’s tails and chase after each other so fast they melt into orange and black striped butter—perfect for putting on pancakes!
Lewis, Richard. In the Space of the Sky.
Illustrated by Debra Frasier. Harcourt, 2002. (K-2)
This lovely picture book is a meditation on the wonder of the universe. Evocative poetry celebrates the beauty of nature: “There in the space of the sky are paths of birds, rivers of air, gardens of light growing into day, growing into night.” The bold, geometric collage illustrations, suffused with flowers, likewise lift the heart and spirit.
MacLachlan, Patricia. All the Places to Love.
Illustrated by Mike Wimmer. Harper Collins, 1994. (K-3)
On the day he was born, grandma held Eli up to the window “so that what I heard first was the wind. What I saw first were all the places to love: the valley, the river falling down over rocks, the hilltop where the blueberries grew.” In this beautiful tale, we follow Eli and his family through meadows, hayfields, rocks and rivers, as he learns about all the places to love and imagines sharing them with his newborn sister.
Martin, Jacqueline Briggs. Snowflake Bentley.
Illustrated by Mary Azarian. Houghton Mifflin, 1998. (K-5)
Wilson Bentley (1865-1931), the son of a Vermont farmer, has fallen in love with snow. He is caught up in the beauty of each flake and his passion is to reproduce the intricacy and variety of snow crystals. Bentley’s parents save for years and buy him a special camera to photograph each flake. Throughout his adult life, Bentley sketches, photographs, and shares the glory of nature. (His book, Snow Crystals, is still a classic.) This inspiring and deceptively simple biography can be used in all grades K-5. Read it with its simplest text at K-2; at 3-5 add the sidebar commentary.
Mitchell, Rhonda. The Talking Cloth.
Orchard Books, 1997. (K-2)
Amber loves her Aunt Phoebe, who collects strange and wonderful things. In this tale Aunt Phoebe stretches before her niece a long, silky “adinkra” cloth that she bought in Africa. Made by the Ashanti people of Ghana, each symbol and color has a special meaning. Amber imagines herself as an Ashanti princess. Guaranteed to inspire wonder and delight. Could be used with either the K or 1st grade Continents overview for Africa.
Redfield, James and Dee Lillegard. The Song of Celestine.
Illustrated by Dean Morrisey. Little, Brown, and Co., 1998. (K-2)
The grace, beauty, and depth of this enchanting book will appeal to all ages, but the sparse text and apparent simplicity make it especially appealing to younger children. Celestine is a young boy who “while wandering in the woods one day . . . found a path but lost his way.” His wanderings are a pilgrimage of sorts and in them he is introduced to the beauty and importance of flowers, faces, love, dreams, sharing, rejoicing, and the past. This book is simple on the surface and inspired in its depth. A mini-Dante, little Celestine, leads us back to the things that matter and the divine wonder of the human experience.
Rumford, James. Seeker of Knowledge. The Man Who Deciphered Egyptian Hieroglyphics(Houghton Mifflin, 2003). (1-4)
In this fascinating volume Rumford describes the untiring efforts of nineteenth century Frenchman, Jean-Francois Champollion to decode Egyptian hieroglyphics or picture writing. The scholar’s interest in Egypt was awakened as a boy when Napoleon marched into Egypt. The childhood fascination grew to an adult passion, as Champollion learned of the discovery of the Rosetta stone, and eventually cracked the code. Rumford’s illustrations and story are a complete delight. The book can be used with CK First Grade unit on Ancient Egypt.
Ryan, Pam Munoz. Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride.
Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 1999. (1-4)
In this gorgeous picture book two accomplished and high-spirited women, Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, excuse themselves from a White House dinner to enjoy an evening plane ride! Amelia Earhart, friend of Eleanor’s, pilots the craft and shows the first lady the beauty of a nocturnal ride in the stars. They return to the White House in time for Eleanor to give Amelia a ride in her new car and for both to have dessert! The breathtaking illustrations (in mauve and charcoal gray) bring to life the wonder, dreams, and passion of these two women for life in all its fullness.
Sabuda, Robert. The Blizzard’s Robe.
Simon and Schuster, 1999. (K-3)
Sabuda’s stunning artwork and deft prose bring to life this Arctic legend of the origin of the northern lights. In the midst of a storm, Teune, a young robemaker, saves her Arctic tribe by building a great fire. In the process she angers the god Blizzard whose robe she burns. He cries out to her at night, pleads for a replacement, and promises a rich reward for a new robe. Risking the anger of her people, Teune makes him a fine robe, and he in turn provides the gift of the Aurora Borealis for this “People Who Fear the Winter Night.” Using a deep, vibrant palette and batik technique, Sabuda tells the story of compassion, generosity, and wonder.
Sanders, Scott Russell. The Floating House.
Illustrated by Helen Cogancherry. Wooster Book Co. 2011. (2-4)
Set in 1815, the McClure family floats down the Ohio River in a flatboat to find a new home further west in Jeffersonville, Indiana. This is a rich picture book and fine piece of fiction depicting the excitement and wonder of a young family exploring an uncharted wilderness. The McClures “were eager to reach the wild country downstream, where you could buy farms for a dollar an acre and the dirt was so rich people said you could plant a stick and it would break out in leaves.” The family finds its home, but the children still dream of “riding the river once more, heading downstream to unknown places.”
Sayre, April Pulley. If You Should Hear a Honey Guide.
Illustrated by S.D. Schindler. Houghton Mifflin, 1995. (K-1)
Set in Kenya, this story does much more than celebrate the beauty and instinct of the African Honey Guide — it rejoices in the ways of nature and leads the young child on a tour of the marvels that await the open eye and ear.
Sheldon, Dyan. The Whale’s Song.
Illustrated by Gary Blythe. Random House, 1993. (1-3)
A little girl listens to her grandmother’s stories of whale songs. Respect and devotion to one of the world’s largest and most mysterious creatures.
Slepian, Jan. Lost Moose. Illustrated by Ted Lewin. Philomel Books, 1995. (K-3)
A moose and her calf are parted in a dangerous swim from their home island. When the young moose wanders onto a new island, inhabited by campers, young James is convinced he has found one of Santa’s reindeer. The two “youngsters” experience the joy of their surroundings together, only to be reunited with both of their worried mothers. Shimmering watercolors bring this delightful story to life.
Spivak, Dawnine. Grass Sandals: The Travels of Basho.
Illustrated by Demi. Atheneum Books, 2009. (2-5)
Basho, a Japanese poet renown for haiku, “would sit in the doorway of his small house, sit with his breakfast bowl, look out at the river and mountains, and pour his tea in the company of morning glories.” One day Basho closes up his small home and begins his walk across Japan in his grass sandals and black robe. With simple, elegant illustrations and quiet, playful text, Grass Sandals invites elementary school children to experience the gentle beauty of nature, Japan, and the simplicity of haiku. The author’s daughter complained: “Mom, nothing happens in this book.” Your children may also complain, but more likely they’ll be caught up in the wonder and serenity of Demi’s charmingly restrained Buddhist world. Use with Japan unit in 2nd grade. Excellent tie-in with 5th grade unit on Buddhism.
Van Leeuwen, Jean. The Amazing Air Balloon.
Illustrated by Marco Ventura. Phyllis Fogelman Books, 2003. (K-3)
This is another winner from Van Leeuwen as she tells the inspiring story of Edward Warren, the thirteen year old who became the first American to ascend in a hot air balloon. Set in colonial times, the story reinforces the themes of wonder and passionate pursuit of one’s dreams. The wiry teenager is able to take this flight because the balloon’s creator, Peter Carnes, is too heavy to take it up! Evocative oil paintings bring the period to life.
Wells, Rosemary. Forest of Dreams.
Illustrated by Susan Jeffers. Dial, 1988. (K-1)
The wonder of nature and the handiwork of God are themes as a young child explores the beauty
of the seasons. Stunning paintings.
Willard, Nancy. A Starlit Somersault Downhill.
Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney. Little Brown, 1993. (K-1)
A sprightly rabbit agrees to settle down for a long winter’s nap with a snoozing bear, but instead,
sets off to discover the beautiful world around him.
Winter, Jeanette. My Name is Georgia: A Portrait.
HMH Books, 2003. (K-1)
This is a simple and wondrous portrait of artist Georgia O’Keefe as she explores sky, mountains, desert, red hills, magnolias, bones, and dreams in the distance. It is about hearing the call within and following one’s dream. Can also be used with Lives to Learn From.
Yolen, Jane. Harvest Home.
Illustrated by Greg Shed. Harcourt, 2002. (K-2)
Written in verse with the rhythmic repetition of “bringing the harvest home,” this is simple and lyrical celebration of a bountiful fall harvest. The poetry recounts the work it took to make it happen, as well as the joys of reaping its rewards. Our guide is a young girl with honey colored hair and a yellow straw hat, who leads children through the work and joy of gathering in the harvest on a fall afternoon. Greg Shed works visual wonders with golden hues of wheat and sun-baked afternoons suffusing its pages.
Young, Ed. What About Me?
Putnam, Philomel, 2002. (1-3)
Young’s visually arresting artwork carries this Middle Eastern folk tale of an earnest child who seeks knowledge from a Sufi master. Before imparting his wisdom, the master sends the child out into the world to procure for him a carpet. Going first to the carpetmaker, the child is confronted by the carpetmaker’s question: “What about me?” The weaver needs thread to weave the carpet. The child heads off to a spinner for thread, who asks “What about me?” She needs goat hair to spin the thread. And the chain of people with needs goes on! The child tries to meet the needs of all, and eventually succeeds. He returns to the master with the carpet and learns: “Some of the most precious gifts that we receive are those we receive when we are giving.”